Many organizations use “heat experiences” to develop their leaders by intentionally creating a trial by fire in which talent can learn to thrive under pressure. However, heat can quickly derail growth and deplete engagement if the temperature is not correctly set or support is misaligned. Download the white paper to learn best practices for providing adequate heat and supporting talent.
Turn Off the Lights
If you keep the lights off and draw your curtains before dark, you can help trap heat in your home. In addition, switching to bulbs with lower Kelvin ratings (which give off less heat) can make your kitchen feel warmer without the need to turn on the heating.
Similarly, placing furniture away from external walls will make your living room feel much warmer, so you can wait longer before turning on the central heating.
Turning off the lights is a simple behavior that is easy to remember and perform, making it a popular action for reducing energy consumption. However, some research suggests that replacing inefficient light bulbs or using LEDs may be less effective.
Put a Blanket on Your Bed
Whether you have a full-size or queen-size bed, you can create a cozy nest with a blanket that covers the bottom of your mattress. This will trap your body heat and prevent it from escaping through the top of the bed.
If you don’t have a blanket, use a heating pad placed directly on the bed or slipped under your sheets. Some heating pads have built-in timers that shut off after an allotted time, preventing overheating and fire hazards.
You can also try an electric blanket, which plugs into an outlet and promises eight to 10 hours of warmth at the desired temperature. However, avoid bunching or folding the veil, which can trap too much heat and cause overheating. Inspecting your electric blanket regularly for any signs of wear and tear is also essential. Checking exposed wires or frayed edges is an excellent way to prevent injuries and fire hazards.
Turn Down the Thermostat
Turning down the thermostat during the summertime can help keep cooling costs low same is true for winter and the air conditioning. The same is true for winter. However, it is essential to understand why before changing your thermostat settings.
For example, it’s essential to know that heating your home to a high temperature when you are awake and lowering the heat when you are asleep or away from the house will result in more energy loss than simply letting the temperature drop overnight. This is because the rising hot air will pull colder air from nearby spaces into the warmer space and cause energy leakage.
For this reason, the US Department of Energy and ENERGY STAR recommends turning down the thermostat to about 68 degrees when awake and at night. This is a reasonable temperature that is comfortable with a light sweater. You can save up to 10% a year on your energy bill by lowering the temperature at night and when no one is home for eight hours.
Keep Your Curtains Open
Curtains are not just a decorative addition to your home—they can also serve many different purposes, such as regulating sunlight and providing insulation against heat or cold. However, deciding whether to leave your curtains open when you’re away will ultimately depend on several factors. These include the location and visibility of your house, the duration of your absence, the weather conditions, and your specific security or energy efficiency goals.
One way to enhance your heating experience is by lining your curtains with thermal fabric to help prevent the loss of warm air from your windows. This fabric can be purchased online by the meter and sewed onto your existing curtains. You can also create a simple door snake by stuffing an old blanket or shirt into the gap between your windows and frame to seal off drafts further. This can help save 10% on your energy bills.
